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Community Prepares for Nipsey Hussle Memorial

Police presence to be at a low during Nipsey Hussle memorial event at the Staples Center. Free tickets for the event were gone within minutes, the arena said. Patrick Healy reports at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Published Tuesday, April 9, 2019)

The intersection of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard will be re-named in honor of slain rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose contributions in the neighborhood earned him the adoration of its residents.

The Los Angeles City Council has approved a motion to rename the intersection "Ermias `Nipsey Hussle' Asghedom Square." It's te location of the Grammy-nominated rapper's clothing store.

It also was where the 33-year-old Asghedom was shot and killed March 31.

A petition the get the intersection named in honor of Nipsey, who was born under the name Ermias Asghedom, was circulated online and earned over 500,000 signatures, according to the council.

The decision comes a day after an emotional memorial and procession for the rapper and philanthropist. His shooting death touched off days of reflection and tributes, including many from fans, politicians, community leaders, athletes and celebrities. Candles, notes, balloons and flowers were left outside his store, where a few mourners dropped off items early Thursday morning ahead of the memorial.

Nipsey is survived by his longtime girlfriend, actress and model Lauren London, with whom he had a son, Kross, and by a daughter, Emani, from a previous relationship.

The man charged with killing Nipsey has pleaded not guilty. Eric Holder entered the plea during his first court appearance in Los Angeles Thursday. The 29-year-old has been charged with murder and two attempted murder charges over the attack that killed Nipsey and wounded two other men.

Holder was ordered held in lieu of $5 million bail. If convicted, Holder faces life in prison.

Holder and Nipsey, who knew each other, had several conversations that Sunday outside The Marathon store, police said. They said Holder eventually returned with a handgun and shot Hussle and wounded two other men before fleeing.